Choropleth Maps in Chart Studio

A map that uses differences in coloring within predefined areas to indicate the average values of a variable within those areas.

Step 1

Try an Example

A choropleth map provides an easy way to visualize how a measurement varies across a geographic area or it shows the level of variability within a region.

After selecting 'Choropleth' under 'Chart Type', you can check out an example before adding your own data. Clicking the 'try an example' button will show what a sample chart looks like after adding data and playing with the style. You'll also see what locations, values, and style attributes were selected for this specific map, as well as the end result.

You can also use the data featured in this tutorial by clicking on 'Open This Data in Plotly' on the left-hand side. It'll open in your workspace.

Step 2

Add Your Data to Plotly

Head to Plotly’s new online workspace and add your data. You have the option of typing directly in the grid, uploading your file, or entering a URL of an online dataset. Plotly accepts .xls, .xlsx, or .csv files. For more information on how to enter your data, see this tutorial.

Step 3

Create a Chart

After adding your own data, go to GRAPH on the left-hand side, then 'Create'. Choose 'Choropleth' under 'Chart type'. Note that this chart is only available with a PRO subscription. Click here to upgrade.

Click on GRAPH on the left-hand side to add your values to your map. After selecting ‘Choropleth', you should then fill out the locations and values dropdown to create the plot. The 'Location Format' field includes country names, country ISO-3 codes, and US state names. Since our map has USA data, we'll select USA under the 'Location Format' and 'Map Region' fields. These sections are selected depending on your data.

This will create a raw choropleth map as seen below.

Step 4

Style a Chart

You can choose your colorscale, text position, or typeface. Click on STYLE on the left-hand side to play around with the style of your map.

To change the color gradients of your map, click on ‘Traces’ under the same STYLE tab, and choose the colorscale you want.

To add a title to your map, you can type it directly on the title by double-clicking it.

The same can be done for the axis labels, and legend.

Another option is to visit the 'Layout' section under STYLE, click on 'Text' and enter your title in the box, as shown below.

Step 5

Save and Share

Your map is now done! Click SAVE on the left-hand side.

Give your file a name, then select your PLOT and DATA as 'Public' or 'Private'. For more information on how sharing works, including the difference between private, public and secret sharing, visit this page.